Exercising steps

ABSTRACT

An exercising device having a plurality of vertically, and preferably uniformly, spaced step members, each of the step members, except the first or lowest step member, being movable between its horizontal operative position and an inoperative position out of vertical alignment with the other step members, so that a person may step from the floor to any one of the step members at its particular elevation in an exercising routine.

July 3, 1973 United States Patent [191 Garrett House et a1..... Kovacik EXERCISING STEPS [76] lnventor: Hubert Leon Garrett,427 Lynn Court, Nashville, Tenn. 3721 1 June 18, 1971 [22] Filed:

10/1968 Great Britain......................

21 Appl. No.: 154,274

Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle l w a a .m S an b f m m hn. c 3y T PM 3% 0 da R m w a m w a m a A h A n A em 0 Ch 1.. m .m.m @u r m 81 mu .mb E .m m :P we T mm mm 1 st 7 n S! n AA UAa 14 01 UN B ,3 a 2 2280 8 59 l 9 or. wu 1A ,5 m 13 I "2 a 0. MUM H ../I. 2 u "2 1 7 n M009 2 n 2 m m T0 NU-II MR n.m3m m a l 9 L QW C 2 d7 S I UmF .11.] 2 8 555 III of the step members, except the first or lowest step member, being movable between its horizontal opera- HXXUX III I HH U Ol/O/ 88 2 .00 .8 ll .1. mfl" m N m m u u E U "n d m m m A u "n .HP. "shunt C n e S a S mw m e r. Om CT 76 3... mA ammfln IT 080 .mSFP MW MD B 2 98 6303 I99999 NHHHHH 7830 U1 1 11 1 336 3 3 1 1 munun I 3 2 tive position and an inoperative position out of vertical alignment with the other step members, so that a person may step from the floor to any one of the step members at itsparticular elevation in an exercising routine 6 Claims, 3 Drawing; Figures Patented July '3, 1973 KXMMWXXXAXX zx/x zw7x/wy yx/y Fig. 2

INVENTOR HUBERT LEOIN GARRETT BY l 5 ZTTORNEY [2 EXERCISING s'rsrs BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an exercising device, and more particularly to exercising steps. For several years, cardiologists and internists have used the Masters Two-Step Test to obtain an exercise electrocardiogram, and to evaluate a patients tolerance for exercise. This test involves stepping from the floor level repeatedly up and down to a single platform or step at a fixed elevation. Accordingly, such a test is quite limited since it is too strenuous for some people and not exacting enough for others. For those for whom the test is not strenuous enough, the electrocardiogram does not depict an accurate evaluation of the individuals heart condition and therefore his tolerance for exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an exercising device having a plurality of step members located directly above each other at different levels and also movable into and out of the operative or step position, to obtain a more accurate evaluation of the exercising persons electrocardiogram, and therefore of his ability to participate in exercises of varying degrees of strenuousness.

The steps comprise a frame having a base adapted to rest upon the floor and a first step member elevated a predetermined distance above the base, preferably fixed to the frame. The additional step members at varying elevations are mounted upon the frame to move between their horizontal operative positions and their inoperative positions out of the way or out of vertical alignment with the other step members. The step members are preferably spaced vertically from each other at uniform intervals in order to provide a systematic testing device.

The step members are spaced directly over each other so that the exercising person may step directly from the floor to the topmost horizontal step member in its operative position, without obstruction or hindrance by any of the other step members either above or below the topmost horizontal step member.

In the particular form of the exercising steps made in DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in more detail, the exercising device comprises a frame 11 having a base 12 adapted to rest upon and be supported by a horizontal floor 13.

accordance with this invention, the step members are pivotally mounted to swing between horizontal opera- 7 tive and upright inoperative positions relative to the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an exercising device made in accordance with this invention, with all of the step members in operative position, and with portions broken away to better illustrate the construction of the device;

Projecting upward from each corner of the substantially rectangular base 12 are upright standards or posts 15, 16, 17 and 18.

' Fixed to the frame 11 a predetermined elevation above the bottom of the base 12, for example a distance of 4 inches, is the first or lowest step member 20, which is preferably made of a planar material, such as wood, large and strong enough to support the person who is exercising.

The spacing between the posts 15 and 17, and also 16 and 18, is sufficient to permit the exercising person to step upon the platform 20 without obstruction, while he is exercising.

Reinforcing rods 21 and 22 may be employed to rigidly connect the respective pairs of posts 15 and 16, and 17 and 18. The reinforcing rods 21 and 22 may also be used as handles for lifting and moving the exercising device 10.

Also extending between the posts 15 and 16 is a first hinge rod 23 upon which is journaled, by any convenient means such as sleeve 24, one edge portion of the second step member 25. Joining the posts 17 and 18 at substantially the same horizontal level as the hinge rod 23 is an elongated rest member or rod 26. The rest rod 26 supports the opposite edge portion of the second step member 25 when the second step member 25 is disposed in its horizontal operative position, disclosed in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in .phantom in FIG. 3. In operative position, the second step member 25 is vertically spaced above the first step member 20, and preferably by the same distance that the first step member 20 is above the floor level or bottom of the base 12. The second step member 25 may be swung about the hinge rod 23 to a substantially upright position as disclosed in solid lines in FIG. 3.

Spaced another uniform increment above the second step member 25 is a third step member 28. One edge portion of the step member 28 is also journaled by sleeve 29 about hinge rod 30 which is also fixed at its opposite ends in the posts 15 and 16. The hinge rod 30 is not only spaced above the hinge rod 23, but preferably offset outwardly, that is, in a direction away from the opposite posts 17 and 18, in order to permit the second step member 25 to swing back to a substantially vertical position. The opposite edge portion of the third step member'28 is adapted to rest upon a rest member or rod 31 fixed at its opposite ends to the posts 17 and 18 and spaced above and also offset outwardly from the lower rest member 26. The rest member 31 is also substantially in the same horizontal plane with the hinge rod 30 to support the third step member 28 in a horizontal operative position. By spacing the second rest member 31 outwardly above the first rest member 26,

the second step member 25 will clear the rest member 31 as it swings between its operative and inoperative positions.

Although any desired number of step members may be employed, the device is disclosed with four step members. The fourth step member 33 has one edge portion journaled by sleeve 34 about the hinge rod 35 between the posts 17 and 18. As best disclosed in FIG. 1, the free edge portion of the fourth step member 33 is adapted to be supported in its horizontal operative position by means of a rest member or bar 36 extending between and fixed to the posts and 16. Here again, the spacing between each adjacent pair of first, second, third and fourth step members 20, 25, 28 and 33 is preferably uniform, and equal to the elevation of the first step member above the floor level.

It will be noted that the hinge rod 35 is not only spaced above the second rest rod 31, but is also offset laterally outward to permit free swinging movement of the third step member 28. For the same reason, the rest bar 36 is also spaced, above and outwardly to permit the third step member 28 to be substantially vertical in its inoperative position.

Although each of the movable step members 25, 28, and 33 may remain in its in operative upright position by virtue of a tight frictional fit between the respective journal sleeves and hinge rods, or they may be swung across the vertical or dead-center to their inoperative positions, another alternative is to provide positive latch means for retaining the step members in their inoperative positions. As best disclosed in FIG. 1, detents 39 are mounted on the side edges of each of the movable step members 25, 28 and 33. When the respective step member has attained its upright inoperative position, the detent 39 will engage a corresponding depression or socket member 40, such as those disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the operation of the exercising device 10, all of the movable step members 25, 28 and 33 are swung to their upright inoperative positions as disclosed in FIG. 3. If a person is to be tested for his tolerance for exercise, electrodes of the electrocardiogram machine are attached to the thoracic areas of the body determined by the operator of the machine. The test person is then instructed to walk back and forth upon the level floor 13, while a resting tracing is obtained on the electrocardiograph machine. The person is then instructed to perform the same stepping procedure between the floor 13 and the first step member 20, while an electrocardiogram is obtained. Then the person is instructed to perform the same stepping procedure between the floor 13 and each of the second, third, and possibly the fourth step members in progression as electrocardiograms are taken for each stepping procedure. It will be borne in mind that no intermediate steps are taken. That is, the test person does not step from the floor 13 to any intermediate step members. In other words, if the test procedure is for the level of the third step member 28, the subject does not first step on the step members 20 and- /or 25, but steps directly from the floor 13 to the third step member 28.

After the cardiogram for the first step member 20 has been completed, the operator then swings second step member from its inoperative solid-line position of FIG. 3 down to its operative position disclosed in phantom in FIG. 3 and in solid lines in FIG. 1. After the test on second step member 25 has been completed, the

third step member 28 is swung down to its operative position above the second step member 25 in its operative position. Then, if the fourth step member 33 is to be used, it also is swung down to its operative position disclosed in FIG. 1.

In order that the topmost step member used in the test In order that the topmost step member used in the test or exercising procedure is readily accessible to the person, the step members are preferably of substan tially equal size, but primarily they should be spaced directly vertically above each other, so that none of the intermediate step members in their operative positions will interfere with the person stepping to the topmost step member in its operative position.

The spacing between each pair of adjacent step members After the floor 13 is preferably 4 inches.

AFter the tests are completed for any step level, the electrocardiogram tracings are examined require any abnormalities and analyzed accordingly other determine if they are indicative of ischemic heart disease which would required medical attention or for any otehr indications of heart disorder.

As previously mentioned, the exercising device 10 can be used in the same manner, without the electrocardiogram, to improve the physical fitness of a person. That is, the person can periodically participate in a stepping procedure in which he will repeatedly step up and down between the floor 13 and the first step member 25. As his physical condition improves he can step to higher and higher step members at a uniform cadence and for increasing periods of time. Moreover, exercising device cadence can also be progressively increased.

It is thereofre apparent that a very useful exercisingdevice has been devised which can be used not only for exercising, but also for testing the physical tolerance for exercise, for individuals of widely varying physical abilities and conditions.

What is claimed is:

1. A step device for use by an exercising person comprising:

a. a unitary frame having opposite sides and opposite ends,

b. said frame having a base spanning said opposite sides and opposite ends and adapted to be supported upon a floor,

c. said frame comprising a first upright standard fixed to and projecting upward from one end of said base, and a second upright standard fixed to and projecting upward from the opposite end of said base to define an exercising space between said standards and above said base,

d. a first step member mounted on said frame at a first level a predetermined distance above the floor level of said base and extending between said standards within said exercising space,

e. a second step member long enough to extend between siad upright standards and having a free end,

f. a rest member on said second standard for freely supporting said free end in operative position,

g. hinge means mounting said second step member on said first standard for swinging movement between said operative position at a second level in said exercising space spaced vertically above said first step member, and an inoperative upright position substantially coextensive with said first standard, said h. upward means on sad first standard for limiting the upwaard swinging movement of said second step member to said inoperative upright position,

i. each of said first and second step members being strong enough to support the weight of an exercising person standing on said corresponding step member in said operative position,

j. the length of said exercising space being approximately equal to the width of a person exercising on said step device,

. both of the side portions of said frame defining said exercising space being completely open and unobstructed above the uppermost step member in op erative position to permit an exercising person to step upon and member fully supported by only the uppermost step membe in operative position,

. the vertical distance between said first and second step members being less than the length of any step member.

2. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising a third step member having a free end, a second rest member on one of said standards for freely supporting the free end of said third step member in operative position, second hinge means mounting said third step member on the other of said standards forrswinging movement between said operative position at a third level in said exercising space spaced vertically above said second member in said second level position, and an inoperative upright position substantially coextensive with said other standard, said third step member being strong enough to support the weight of an exercising person standing on said third step member in operative position, second stop means on said other standard for limiting the swinging movement of said third step member to said inoperative upright position.

3. The invention according to claim 2 in which said hinge means for both said second and third step members are journaled in said first standard and said rest members are supported on said second standard in such a manner that the upward swinging movement of said second step member will clear said second rest member, and the stop means for said second step member comprises the hinge means for said third step member.

4. The invention according to claim 3 further com- I prising a fourth step member having a free end, a third rest member on said first standard. for freely supporting the free end of said fourth step member in operative position, hinge means mounting said fourth step member on said second standard for swinging movement between said operative position at a fourth level in said exercising space spaced level vertically above said third step member in said third elvel position, and an inoperative upright position substantially coextensive with said second standard, said fourth step member being strong enough to support the weight of an exercising person standing on said fourth step member in operative position, third stop means on said second standard for limiting the upward swinging movement of said fourth step member to said inoperative upright position, said hinge means for said fourth step member being spaced on said second standard above and outward of the swinging path of the free end of said third step member.

5. The invention according to claim 4 in which the spacing between adjacent levels is substantially uniform.

6. The invention according to claim 1 in which said first step member is a rigid part of said base and fixed to said first and second standards. 

1. A step device for use by an exercising person comprising: a. a unitary frame having opposite sides and opposite ends, b. said frame having a base spanning said opposite sides and opposite ends and adapted to be supported upon a floor, c. said frame comprising a first upright standard fixed to and projecting upward from one end of said base, and a second upright standard fixed to and projecting upward from the opposite end of said base to define an exercising space between said standards and above said base, d. a first step member mounted on said frame at a first level a predetermined distance above the floor level of said base and extending between said standards within said exercising space, e. a second step member long enough to extend between said upright standards and having a free end, f. a rest member on said second standard for freely supporting said free end in operative position, g. hinge means mounting said second step member on said first standard for swinging movement between said operative position at a second level in said exercising space spaced vertically above said first step member, and an inoperative upright position substantially coextensive with said first standard, h. upward means on said first standard for limiting the upward swinging movement of said second step member to said inoperative upright position, i. each of said first and second step members being strong enough to support the weight of an exercising person standing on said corresponding step member in said operative position, j. the length of said exercising space being approximately equal to the width of a person exercising on said step device, k. both of the side portions of said frame defining said exercising space being completely open and unobstructed above the uppermost step member in operative position to permit an exercising person to step upon and be fully supported by only the uppermost step member in operative position, l. the vertical distance between said first and second step members being less than the length of any step member.
 2. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising a third step member having a free end, a second rest member on one of said standards for freely supporting the free end of said third step member in operative position, second hinge means mounting said third step member on the other of said standards for swinging movement between said operative position at a third level in said exercising space spaced vertically above said second member in said second level position, and an inoperative upright position substantially coextensive with said other standard, said third step member being strong enough to support the weight of an exercising person standing on said third step member in operative position, second stop means on said other standard for limiting the swinging movement of said third step member to said inoperative upright position.
 3. The invention according to claim 2 in which said hinge means for both said second and third step members are journaled in said first standard and said rest members are supported on said second standard in such a manner that the upward swinging movement of said second step member will clear said second rest member, and the stop means for said second step member comprises the hinge means for said third step member.
 4. The invention according to claim 3 further comprising a fourth step member having a free end, a third rest member on said first standard for freely supporting the free end of said fourth step member in operative position, hinge means mounting said fourth step member on said second standard for swinging movement between said operative position at a fourth level in said exercising space spaced vertically above said third step member in said third level position, and an inoperative upright position substantially coextensive with said second standard, said fourth step member being strong enough to support the weight of an exercising person standing on said fourth step member in operative position, third stop means on said second standard for limiting the upward swinging movement of said fourth step member to said inoperative upright position, said hinge means for said fourth step member being spaced on said second standard above and outward of the swinging path of the free end of said third step member.
 5. The invention according to claim 4 in which the spacing between adjacent levels is substantially uniform.
 6. The invention according to claim 1 in which said first step member is a rigid part of said base and fixed to said first and second standards. 